Principles to Actions

  • Since NCTM's landmark publication Principles to Actions was first published in 2014, it has offered useful and actionable guidance to teachers, mathematics coaches, administrators, parents, and policymakers as we work to strengthen the teaching and learning of school mathematics for each and every student.

    The widespread adoption of college- and career-readiness standards presents a historic opportunity to improve mathematics education.

    What will it take to turn this opportunity into reality in every classroom, school, and district?

    Continuing its tradition of mathematics education leadership, NCTM has defined and described the principles and actions, including specific teaching practices, that are essential for a high-quality mathematics education for all students.

    Principles to Actions: Ensuring Mathematical Success for All offers guidance to teachers, specialists, coaches, administrators, policymakers, and parents:

    • Builds on the Principles articulated in Principles and Standards for School Mathematics to present six updated Guiding Principles for School Mathematics
    • Supports the first Guiding Principle, Teaching and Learning, with eight essential, research-based Mathematics Teaching Practice
    • Details the five remaining Principles—the Essential Elements that support Teaching and Learning as embodied in the Mathematics Teaching Practice
    • Identifies obstacles and unproductive and productive beliefs that all stakeholders must recognize, as well as the teacher and student actions that characterize effective teaching and learning aligned with the Mathematics Teaching Practice
    • With Principles to Actions, NCTM takes the next step in shaping the development of high-quality standards throughout the United States, Canada, and worldwide.

    Executive Summary Resumen EjecutivoOverview

    Purchase Principles to Actions, Limited 10th Anniversary Edition

    Spanish edition also available.

    Principles to Actions Reflection Guide »


    Essential Resources

    Grade-Band Specific Learning Modules
    Access The Principles to Actions Toolkit for grade-band specific professional learning modules focused on the Effective Teaching Practices and Guiding Principles.

    Professional Learning Services
    Create a customized professional development package for your district focused on Productive Struggle and Facilitating Discourse. Available online or in person. 

    The Taking Action: Implementing Effective Mathematics Teaching Practices Series
    Dive deeper into the effective teaching practices with the  Taking Action: Implementing Effective Mathematics Teaching Practices series. The series offers a coherent set of professional learning experiences designed to foster teachers' understanding of the effective teaching practices and their ability to apply those practices in their own classroom.


  • Priniciples to Actions 10th anniversary cover 125pixelsLimited 10th Anniversary Edition now available!
    Featuring a new cover design and foreword by author team, this collectible, Limited 10th Anniversary Edition of Principles to Actions celebrates 10 years of useful and actionable guidance to educators as we work to strengthen the teaching and learning of school mathematics for every student.